This week we are going ‘inside’ to the ‘Heart of the Home’ the KITCHEN.

Let’s start with the ‘Work Triangle’:

No leg of the triangle should be less than 4 feet (1.2 m) or more than 9 feet (2.7 m).

The sum of all three sides of the triangle should be between 13 feet (4.0 m) and 26 feet (7.9 m).

Cabinets or other obstacles should not intersect any leg of the triangle by more than 12 inches (30 cm).

If possible, there should be no major traffic flow through the triangle.

A full-height obstacle, such as a tall cabinet, should not come between any two points of the triangle.

Besides the work triangle itself, there are several rules of thumb to consider when planning a kitchen:

As measured between countertops and cabinets or appliances, work aisles should be no less than 42 inches (110 cm) for one cook, or 48 inches (120 cm) for multiple cooks.

A sink should have a clear counter area of at least 24 inches (61 cm) on one side, and at least 18 inches (46 cm) on the other side.

At least 36 inches (91 cm) of food preparation area should be located next to the sink.

A refrigerator should have a clear counter area of at least 15 inches (38 cm) on the handle side, or the same on either side of a side-by-side refrigerator; or the same area on a counter no more than 48 inches (120 cm) across from the refrigerator.

A stove or cooktop should have a clear 15 inches (38 cm) area on one side, and at least 12 inches (30 cm) on the other side.

In a seating area where no traffic passes behind the diner, allow 32 inches (81 cm) from the wall to the edge of the table or counter; if traffic passes behind the diner, allow 44 inches (110 cm).

With all my clients looking to renovate or build new I have them choose their appliances and plumbing first. This is the types of appliances both major > fridge, freezer, range, ovens, dishwasher; to the smaller but still costly ones such as microwaves, espresso machines etc. that you want, need and can afford in your Kitchen. This is your biggest cost and can make or break your budget.

Appliances:

Stove – $500 – $6000.00

Hood Fans – $250 – $6000.00

Ovens – $250 – $4000.00

Fridge – $500 – $40,000.00

Freezer – $500 – $30,000.00

Dishwasher – $450 – $3000.00

Consider the following 4 of 8 things when choosing your cooking appliance:

Look for the following 4 of 8 items when selecting your Fridge / Freezer:

How much space do you have – width (24, 30, 33, 36, 42, 48”) and depth (full or counter)?

What is your budget range?

What type of refrigerator do you like – full fridge; freezer top or bottom; side by side; French door; door within the door; water and ice machine (inside or outside) remember cubic feet of storage gets eaten up when you have an icemaker.

How much fresh food (fruits, vegetables, dairy) do you store in the fridge?